It’s rarely used in the regular season, but the AFL’s extreme weather policy will be employed when Collingwood meet North Melbourne in Wagga Wagga on Saturday.

The Celsius is expected to reach a scorching 38 degrees in the New South Wales town, with the NAB Challenge clash between the two sides set to kick off at 4.40pm.

As a result, a number of revisions are in place to deviate from the regular AFL norms.

Quarters have been reduced to 22 minutes each, with teams to retreat to the change rooms during extended quarter time and three-quarter time breaks (eight minutes).

Half time has been extended to 25-minutes, while both side is also allowed to use an extra trainer.

“We’re aware of the heat policy rules and have everything in place to cope with the conditions during Saturday’s game,” Football Operations manager Marcus Wagner told Collingwood Media.

“The players have trained in the heat throughout the pre-season and dealt with similar weather during our camp in Maroochydore.

“We are confident the players will adapt well to the conditions tomorrow night.”

The Magpies flew to Wagga early on Friday morning and will have more than 24 hours to prepare for the game.

The squad will train on Robertson Oval on Friday at a similar time to kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

Temperatures during training will also reach the high 30s, as the country town experiences an early-Autumn heat-wave.

Midfielder Levi Greenwood believes the Pies won’t be greatly affected by the heat.

Speaking to the media from Wagga Wagga Regional Airport, the former Kangaroo said a gruelling pre-season would help his teammates adapt.

“It’s been hot in Melbourne. We’re prepared for it,” Greenwood said.

“Hopefully it’s not too hot on gameday.”

While Greenwood may not get his wish, the activation of the heat policy will provide some relief for Nathan Buckley’s men on Saturday afternoon.